Broadway will require all audiences and performers to be vaccinated and masked

New York, New York – Broadway audiences, performers, and staff will have to provide proof of vaccination for Covid-19 and wear face masks inside the theater at least through October, the Broadway League announced Friday.

Audience members will now have to show proof of vaccination before seeing a show at a Broadway theater.
Audience members will now have to show proof of vaccination before seeing a show at a Broadway theater.  © Collage: 123RF/fergregory & vetertravel

The policy, which applies to all 41 Broadway theaters in New York City, will require guests to be fully vaccinated, meaning they must show proof of receiving their last dose – or single-dose vaccine – at least 14 days before the performance date.

Exceptions will be made for children under 12 years old and people with a medical condition or "closely held religious belief that prevents vaccination," the League said.

But those guests will have to show proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of the performance start time or a negative rapid test taken within six hours prior to the show.

Jennifer Lopez dazzles in risqué fit after Ben Affleck Thanksgiving drama
Jennifer Lopez Jennifer Lopez dazzles in risqué fit after Ben Affleck Thanksgiving drama

Audiences may also remove their masks for eating and drinking in designated areas, according to the League, which includes theater owners, operators, producers, presenters, and general managers.

"As vaccination has proven the most effective way to stay healthy and reduce transmission, I'm pleased that the theater owners have decided to implement these collective safeguards at all our Broadway houses," League President Charlotte St Martin said in a statement.

"A uniform policy across all New York City Broadway theaters makes it simple for our audiences and should give even more confidence to our guests about how seriously Broadway is taking audience safety," St Martin added.

The organization plans to review its coronavirus policies in September for performances in November and beyond.

Cover photo: Collage: 123RF/fergregory & vetertravel

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